Students get off on the right foot for second semester

More than 190 first year students will converge on the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Toowoomba campus tomorrow (Wednesday 16 July) for the mid-year Orientation week.

The students will commence their studies during second semester, and will enjoy a day of activities designed to welcome them to the USQ community.

Dean of Students, Professor Rod St Hill, said the day has been designed to support students and help them start their degrees successfully. 

'This year we have tried to get away from the old approach of bombarding the students with information, instead we are building a sense of community.

'This year's event is different as the University has worked hard to integrate all areas and faculties into one comprehensive program for all students.'

The day will commence at 9am with a welcome from the Dean of Students, which will be followed by a Getting Started at USQ session. The one hour meeting will provide students with tips on succeeding at university, information on library skills and discuss the support services available to students.

Students will then be invited to attend a free lunch in the Quad sponsored by USQ between 12- 2pm. Local band The Voulturays will entertain students during lunch, and food stalls will also be set up throughout the Quad.

The University will host campus tours during the two hour long lunch break, and students will also be invited to participate in a Where's Phil Treasure Hunt for their chance to win prizes.

The University also welcomed commencing international students in song yesterday morning. More than 25 staff members from across the University formed a choir and came together to sing We are Australian to welcome the students.

International Counsellor, Rachel Cleary said the choir was formed by a group of enthusiastic international support staff members along with other staff members from the University.

'That the idea to welcome the new international students in song, was so enthusiastically embraced reflects USQ staff's good will and commitment to new-coming international students,' Rachel said. 

For more information on the second semester orientation day please visit the orientation website www.usq.edu.au/orientation

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977